[Three-dimensional finite element analysis of maxillary canine during the tooth translation movement].

Objective: To find the characteristic of the stress distribution in the periodontal tissue during maxillary canine distal translation.
Methods: The model was implemented numerically by means of the 3-dimensional finite element method (FEM) and was used to simulate orthodontic tooth translation movements. The finite element model was loaded with defined force systems. And the stresses at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of loaded distal force and moment in maxillary canine were calculated.
Results: During the whole distal translation of canine, 1. the stress in alveolar bone was higher than that in peridontal ligament; 2. the stresses in the cervical region were higher than those in the apical region of the alveolar bone and periodontal tissues; 3. the stresses in the cervical, medium and apical regions of periodontal tissue were on the decline, and the stress in cervical region declined faster than that in apical region. On the 21st day the stresses in the cervical, medium and apical regions were similar.
Conclusion: The 3-D FEM analysis revealed that alveolar bone loss could be most likely to happen during the initial stage of the tooth movement, and the data from this study mihgt be helpful to orthodontists in selecting an appropriate device of force systems to control the initial loading during orthodontic treatment.